Utilization Pattern of Antenatal Care Services among Pregnant Women in Rural Area of Guntur District, A.P., India

Abstract

The present longitudinal study highlights the profile of antenatal care received by pregnant women in rural area of Guntur District, A.P., India. Pregnancy and childbirth are significant milestones in the lives of women and their families. This can be a period of immense anticipation and hope.  This longitudinal study was conducted in Prathipadu village which is a rural field practice area of Dept of Community Medicine, Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Guntur (A.P.) during 2019. All women (n =110) from rural field practice area of Dept of Community Medicine who were pregnant at the start of the study. Most of the pregnant women (93.27%) were registered for antenatal care, but only 26.36% of them were registered in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. As regard to TT immunization, 75% of the pregnant women had received 2 doses or 1 booster dose. Iron and Folic Acid supplementation was taken by 59.62% of the pregnant women. Nearly 45.19 % of pregnant women were provided with full antenatal care. The main antenatal care provider for pregnant women was doctor (70.19%). The level of compliance with iron supplementation among the pregnant women was low. The causes for low compliance were side effects to iron tablets. The literacy of women has significant bearing on antenatal care of pregnant women. Thus, measures should be adopted for improving female literacy.